8 Things You May Not Know About Ellerman House
February 27, 2020 by Allison Reiber DiLiegro
We are thrilled to introduce a new representation, Ellerman House in Cape Town, South Africa. With its long list of accolades, we’ll venture a guess that you’ve heard of it. After more than 25 years in operation, Ellerman House remains one of the most renowned boutique hotels in the world. Here are a few things you may not know about Cape Town’s cliffside grande dame.
1. Ellerman House has a coveted location.
Ellerman House is set inside an original Cape Edwardian mansion in the upscale Bantry Bay neighborhood. Once you step inside, you’ll see why the neighborhood is so sought-after: the views of the Atlantic Ocean are breathtaking. It’s not just about the views – Clifton’s four sheltered beaches are within walking distance. The city’s sights, like the Table Mountain cable car and the V&A Waterfront, are just ten minutes away.
2. Its art collection is renowned.
If anything can steal your gaze from the ocean views, it’s the art that adorns the walls. The collection, which Ellerman House calls its “wistful soul,” spans two centuries of South African history, from Thomas Bowler’s paintings of Cape Town in the 1800 to William Kentridge’s contemporary social commentary. There’s even more art to admire in the Ellerman House Contemporary Art Gallery. The in-house art guides (many of whom are artists themselves) are available for private tours of the Ellerman House gallery as well as the top galleries in Cape Town.
3. Each bedroom is unique.
All 11 rooms in the mansion are elegant, warm and welcoming. But like a guest room in a friend’s home, each one is unique. There are plush carpets, crisp linens, thoughtfully-selected books and antiques and original art from the owner’s collection. Most rooms come with a sea view – some even have balconies.
4. The two villas are ultra-contemporary.
For travelers seeking more space, there are two contemporary villas, simply named Villa One and Villa Two. Ideal for families, Villa One is available as a three-bedroom or five-bedroom villa and Villa Two is a three-bedroom villa. (Keep in mind children of all ages are welcomed in Villa One and children 10 years and older can over to stay in Villa Two, with its gravity-defying infinity pool and spiral staircase.) Villas are sophisticated and minimalist in style, with airy relaxation spaces, well-equipped entertainment centers, private infinity pools and sweeping ocean views. A private chef is on call for breakfast (included in the rate) or snacks, lunch and dinner at additional cost.
5. The wine cellar is 7,500 bottles strong.
South Africa’s most celebrated Winelands are just outside of Cape Town, but Ellerman House guests need only to go to the Wine Gallery. The property boasts a wine cellar of more than 7,500 bottles from up-and-coming wineries as well as South Africa’s heavyweights, including rare vintages and special releases. Looking to learn more about local wines? The in-house sommelier offers complimentary tastings each afternoon.
6. Guests will be spoiled with amenities.
Be forewarned: Ellerman House sets a bar few hotels will exceed. The rate includes a long list of amenities, like round-trip transfers from Cape Town International Airport, complimentary drinks (wine and Champagne not included), a full minibar, snack packs for hiking trips, art tours and sunset cocktails and canapés on the terrace each evening. Guests even have access to the pantry, a decadent corner of treats that’s open 24 hours.
7. Your stay supports a good cause.
Paul Harris, the owner of Ellerman House, and his family founded the Click Foundation in 2012. The organization works to improve the education system in South Africa by deploying online English literacy programs in under-privileged primary schools across the country. By the year 2024, the Click Foundation is working to change the trajectory of one million learners’ lives through technology-based learning programs. As Paul says, “Through your involvement and generosity, you will share in the joy, excitement and pride of being part of this exciting country, where we can all make a difference in forging a brighter future for South Africans.”
8. Ellerman House can arrange an array of extravagant adventures.
Are the diamonds at the store not quite special enough? Guests at Ellerman House can hop a private jet to the West Coast of South Africa where they will dive for their own diamonds with Benguela Diamonds. PADI-certified guests can join the Benguela Diamonds dive masters as they search the ocean floor. Later, they choose their own rough diamond to be cut, polished and set in jewelry.
A dream for explorers and wildlife photographers, Ellerman House can arrange trips to Antarctica by private jet (the flight is just five hours). On the five-day trip, guests stay in a luxury base camp, trek through blue caves, climb mountains and visit an Emperor Penguin colony as chicks take their first steps. This excursion is seasonal and weather-dependent, so be sure to plan in advance.
As this is South Africa, after all, there are epic safaris to be had. Ellerman House partners with Great Plains Conservation, another Hidden Doorways representation, to arrange fabulous safaris through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Kenya. While all itineraries can be customized, they offer a variety of curated itineraries for travelers to easily hop onto. Each starts with a stay at Ellerman House, of course. As a warning, it can be hard to leave.
Contact us at Hidden Doorways at mail@hiddendoorwaystravel.com to learn more about excursions or to book a stay at Ellerman House.
Contact:
Ellerman House
180 Kloof Road, Bantry Bay, 8005
Cape Town, South Africa
Telephone: +27-21 430 3200
